Our Story
Project Learn of Summit County was established to address the significant number of adults in Akron and Summit County who lack basic literacy skills. In 1982, the initiative became a member of Laubach Literacy, joining the largest volunteer-based adult reading program in the United States. The collaborative efforts of the Altrusa Club, the Akron-Summit County Public Library, and dedicated citizens led to the formation of the Summit County Adult Literacy Council in 1984. Achieving 501(c)(3) status in 1986, Project Learn has since evolved into a vital resource for adult education.
In 1990, Project Learn became a program of the Ohio Department of Education’s Adult Education Division, and in 1991, it gained affiliation with the United Way of Summit County. The organization officially adopted its current name in 1993. With increased funding from the Ohio Department of Education in 2005, Project Learn expanded its services, becoming one of five programs recognized nationally by ProLiteracy of America for its outreach and accountability efforts in 2007 and 2008.
Today, Project Learn serves thousands of students, offering a comprehensive range of literacy and adult education services, including GED® preparation, ESOL, post-secondary education, and career preparation. As the Official GED® Testing Center for Summit County, all services are provided free of charge, making education accessible to those who need it most.